Liken the Scriptures to Ourselves

I share at least one similar trait with Nephi and that is the idea that there's great value in likening the scriptures unto ourselves.

In 1 Nephi 19:23 he says, "I did liken ALL scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."

Last week, the teacher in Sunday School said that he thinks that those of us who attend church and are trying will be fine. Although I understand what he's trying to say, I believe that type of statement misses the point of what Nephi's teaching and invites complacency.

When I think to myself, all isn't well in Zion, it causes me to want to repent and be a better disciple. It doesn't deprive me of hope, it instills new desire and hope to repent of my many sins and errors.

Jacob, the brother of Nephi, goes on to teach in 2 Nephi 9:41 that "the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel and he employeth no servant there."  Certainly he employeth servants to accomplish many other parts of his work such as the administration of the church (printing of BOM's, temple construction, church buildings, etc.), helping the poor and needy, raising families, helping a neighbor, etc. BUT, when it comes to passing through the gates to our exaltation, HE EMPLOYETH NO SERVANT THERE. As we see in the temple, it is the Savior who will welcome us into exaltation.

When we tie this altogether, the path of discipleship will get narrower and narrower. If we apply ALL scripture unto ourselves, then they will teach us the doctrines of exaltation and we'll see the narrow path before us. By applying and likening the scripture unto ourselves, it should cause a burning desire in us to repent and stay on that path until we enter in at THE GATE. When scriptures are applied to ourselves, they should open the windows of revelation to teach us how to be a better parent, spouse, neighbor, church member, citizen, etc. BUT, if we casually apply the scriptures to others, they lose most of their value in helping us walk this narrow path of discipleship.